Things don’t always turn out for the better. Mattia was seven years old when he first displayed symptoms of a brain tumour. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy and several rounds of chemotherapy. Everything seemed to be under control.
Mattia loved tractors, helicopters and remote-controlled cars. He enjoyed riding his bike and wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. But when he was 12, he developed a new kind of brain tumour, likely caused by the radiotherapy he’d had years before. Mattia didn’t talk much about his illness, but fought hard. His classmates called him a “quiet warrior”. Eight months later, Mattia succumbed to his illness. He is one of around 25 children who die of cancer each year in Switzerland.
Losing a child is one of the worst things that can happen to a parent. However, Mattia’s family did not want death to have the last word. What could they do to counter this overwhelming grief?
During his illness, Mattia never gave up and fought for life until the end. After he died, his family wanted to follow his example and fight for life too, and so they started a fundraising campaign in support of SPOG’s childhood cancer research. SPOG’s vision is for all children with cancer to be cured.
For his family, Mattia lives on in sunbeams: although it may sometimes be covered by clouds, the sun still shines every day. Mattia’s younger sister painted a picture of a big smiling sun for the fundraising campaign. Remembering Mattia’s beaming smile has become a source of strength for his family. They chose “un brindisi alla vita” – a toast to life – as the campaign’s slogan.
From the shock and grief emerged a fundraising campaign in Mattia’s memory that focuses on all aspects of life, both the good and the bad.
The fundraiser has given friends, family and acquaintances the opportunity to take action in memory of Mattia. It has allowed them to make a meaningful gesture in the face of something as unimaginable as the loss of a child. They have donated generously to childhood cancer research – demonstrating their awareness of how precious life is.
In spring 2024, Mattia’s parents presented SPOG with a cheque for CHF 18,000.
SPOG offers its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated in Mattia’s memory. We deeply admire Mattia’s parents, who despite their grief found the strength to organise this fundraiser.
Research – giving a future to children and young people with cancer.
